Reviews
Artist:Charlie Williams Album: The Divider
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: https://charlie-williams.uk/
Charlie Williams says this album "took a long time because I wanted to do it properly. I have been writing these songs for a while, so it was time to package them up into something nice." He has also published 5 novels (according to his Wikipedia page, of which he says, "some of it is true").
He also says "I write folk-tinged acoustic songs and perform them on guitar. Some are lyrical ruminations on historical events around my home county of Worcestershire." Second song, Blood In a Tin Cup is a strident tune, which has bits of Billy Bragg, and Levellers about it, and builds to include synth washes as well as his guitar. His singing comes alive on this song, and he shows himself the equal of many better-known names in the folk world.
Of one of the best songs on the album, Cider With Rosie, he says "It's an upbeat folky tune about unrequited love and fermented apple juice. Grab yourself some scrumpy, pull up a stool and give it a play. It named after the famous book by Laurie Lee, who was a first cousin of my great aunt Josie."
1992, is a poppy tune more in keeping with music of later decades. Coldplay being the comparison which springs to mind immediately. Another song that has an upbeat tune over words which you feel could as easily have been a short story. Ans that story telling side of his music comes though often in other songs here. Face On A Wall being one of the historical settings.
His occasionally older use of words and literary phrasing is clearly drawn from his writing. 21 Summers appears to be about the Civil War, which was often fought around his native Worcestershire. Tree On A Hill, looks at the passage of time from the point of view of that tree. It's a well observed piece that many people will relate to as there are so many trees which we recognise in places which mean something to us as landmarks through our lives. Best song of the album.
Just The Reckoning is another song from the poppier end of folk, and the closing title track is a stomping tune that again harks back to the likes of Billy Bragg.
As a debut album this is an interesting and engaging set of songs that he has built up over time, and we can hope that he has more like these at home for another record which will be very welcome.
Tim Martin
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